I’m always excited when I hear that Disney are releasing a new movie and ever since I heard that Soul was going to be their next release, I couldn’t wait to see it.
It was released on Disney+ on Christmas Day and after months of waiting, I watched it with my family.
I had seen the trailer and was intrigued. Jamie Foxx is the voice of the lead character, Joe Gardner. I’m a big Jamie Foxx fan, so I had high hopes.
I won’t give much of the storyline away in case those of you reading haven’t watched it yet. Suffice it to say, Joe Gardner is a band teacher, and the film starts in a classroom where Joe is teaching a bunch of school students, a lot of them are bored and not really paying attention.
Once Joe starts playing the piano, however, the whole class (and me included) is mesmerized by his talent.
Further on in the film, Joe gets the break he’s been waiting for his whole life: a gig. However, after an accident, he finds himself in the great before, a sort of step before the afterlife, where new souls are created. While he is desperately trying to get back to his body, he is tasked with helping 22, a soul who has spent years trying to find her spark so she can get to Earth. In true Disney style, this film is littered with poignant morals, these were the ones I picked up on:
- Live your life and enjoy every moment – even the regular ones
- Words can be hurtful and can cause more damage than you realise
- Everyone is good at something – you just need to find it
- Everyone has a purpose
- Everyone is good enough
- Everyone needs someone to believe in them
- Kindness always wins.
Whilst I did enjoy it, I felt a tad underwhelmed – I think I had built it up in my head that it was going to be amazing. I was expecting more from the storyline if I’m honest. Soul is my favourite genre, and it may have been silly of me, I was expecting soul music and soul references. I don’t want to take anything away from the music in this film however, as the jazz was incredible. In fact, my favourite parts of this film were the jazz instrumental pieces. A genius score that everyone should listen to.
In conclusion: I would definitely recommend watching Soul and I’m sure you will be moved by the music and the morals.
Enjoy and stay musical.
